Have you ever chased an hysterical 4-year-old out of the doctor's examining room and down the hallway, pleading him to come back "this second?" I have. It wasn't fun. Neither was the top-of-his lungs screaming when he got his needle. Ah, the joys of parenthood.
Doctor exams can be scary for preschoolers. They remember what happened at their last visit. So how do we prepare these smart but fearful little patients for a doctor visit, especially one that will entail a shot, a blood test or some other painful procedure?
After a little research, I've come up with these family ideas.
Pick a Child-Friendly Pediatric Office
A boring doctor's office with no toys and outdated books means more time for a child to think about all the awful things that are going to happen to him. My doctor's office includes a playroom, TVs playing the latest animated films (in the waiting rooms and exam rooms) and children's books and magazines, all of which help reduce the chance of tantrums in children who are afraid to be there.
In addition, the exam rooms have bright, silly murals painted on the walls and exam tables shaped like animals. Extra-brave patients get to choose a toy from the prize box. Usually my son enjoys going to the doctor's office. The nurses and staff are loving and kind to the kids, and it is a fun place to be. Encourage your doctor to implement fun activities for preschoolers and other chldren.
Don't Lie
If you're going to the doctor, be honest about it. Not telling your child where you're going is lying by omission, so give advance warning once you're in the car and on the way.
Do not tell your child he won't have a shot unless you are sure that's the truth. Of course you don't need to bring it up, but even little people appreciate knowing if they have to do something they'd rather not do. You can talk up the importance of shots by explaining that a needle gives medicine or checks our body for germs so that we can feel better or be protected from other germs.
Preschoolers are such bright, thoughtful little people. It is possible that your child will appeal to your love for him and your protective instincts by asking you to tell the doctor he doesn't need a shot.
He may invent all kinds of stories about how he is no longer sick. He may beg you, try to negotiate with you and give you a guilt trip. Do not feel guilty. Tell him you feel bad he is sick. Sympathize with his fears and his pain. But do not lie, change your mind or make empty promises. This will only undermine the trust your children have placed in you.
Encourage the Child Superhero
The best gift I ever gave my child was a hand-sewn superhero cape. On our last visit to the doctor's office, I tucked my son's superhero cape into my purse.
As we drove to the doctor's office, he told me all the things he did not want done. Lo and behold he had to have every one of the dreaded procedures and more when we arrived at the office. It was a real nightmare for him.
I pulled out the superhero cape and told him I knew he could be a brave superhero. I told him the shots would still hurt but only for a moment. He cried, he begged and we still had to restrain him. But at least he did not run out of the exam room. When we returned for a follow-up the very next day, he grabbed his superhero cape and walked in with a brave little face.
Promise Rewards
If your daughter is going to have a throat culture, promise a Popsicle or lollipop if she sits still and lets the doctor swab her throat. If your child is due for immunizations or a string of shots, promise she can watch an extra movie when she gets home.
These are not bribes; they are rewards for enduring the prodding and poking.
Distract Your Child
Tell your child what you do when you have a shot or throat culture. Sing a song or make a silly face at your child while he is having a procedure done. My son's doctor told him once that he was looking for dinosaurs in his ears. From then on my little boy let any doctor look in his ears for dinosaurs.
I hope you never have to carry a screaming 4-year-old through the doctor's office. But chances are you will face the frustration of taking a frightened preschooler to a doctor appointment. Just remember that the more calm and confident you are as a parent, the more painless your visit will be for everybody.
Rachelle Hughes is a mom and freelance writer.